In Florida, tenants and landlords must adhere to the terms outlined in their lease agreements. Landlords have specific rights and obligations under Florida law if a tenant fails to pay rent on time.
Here’s a breakdown of the timeline and legal process landlords must follow regarding rent payments.
Grace periods in Florida
Florida law does not require landlords to provide a grace period for rent payments, meaning rent is technically due on the date specified in the lease. However, some lease agreements may offer a grace period, usually 3 to 5 days, allowing tenants to make payments without incurring penalties.
Issuing a three-day notice to pay or vacate
Florida law requires the landlord to issue a Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate if a tenant fails to pay rent by the due date or within any applicable grace period. This notice must inform the tenant that they have three business days to pay the rent owed or vacate the property. Weekends and legal holidays are not counted in these three days.
Waiting period before filing for eviction
If the tenant does not pay rent or move out within the three-day notice period, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings by filing a lawsuit with the local county court. It’s important to note that landlords cannot legally change the locks, shut off utilities or remove tenants without following this formal eviction process.
In Florida, landlords must adhere to specific timelines before pursuing eviction. After issuing the three-day notice, landlords can evict if the tenant does not pay or vacate. Acting within these legal guidelines ensures compliance with Florida’s landlord-tenant laws and avoids legal disputes.